Club History

The Upstate New York Thunderbird Club, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization promoting the restoration, preservation and overall appreciation of all Ford Thunderbirds.  The Club brings together owners and/or enthusiasts of Thunderbirds from the 1955 through 2005 models.

The Club was founded in 1979 in Syracuse, NY as the Upstate New York Thunderbird Chapter and was then affiliated with the Vintage Thunderbird Club of America (VTCA).  In 1992 the Club incorporated and the name was changed to the Upstate New York Thunderbird Club, Inc.  The Club also changed its affiliation to the International Thunderbird Club (ITC).

The Club has successfully hosted four conventions:  the Eastern Regional Convention for the VTCA in Syracuse in 1991 and the three ITC conventions:  Syracuse in 1994, Plattsburg in 2000, and Watkins Glen in 2002.

The Club, comprised of approximately 80 families from throughout Upstate New York State, provides many opportunities to get together throughout the year.  The four regularly scheduled annual events include:  Spring Fever in May, the picnic in July, the business meeting in October, and the holiday party in December.  During the most recent years, Spring Fever has been held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, Watkins Glen, Howe Caverns, and Turning Stone Casino.  The Albany Region remains the most active with monthly luncheon meetings at a local diner during the late fall and winter months. During the remaining months members seek out cruise-ins, car shows, and other interesting venues in which to participate as a group.

A monthly newsletter keeps members apprised of upcoming events and provides technical information about maintaining our Thunderbirds.

Current Club officers are:

President:  Peter Tietjen, (607) 693-3033, pjsbirds@tds.net

Vice President:    Ken Hilliard, (607) 546-4941

Secretary:  Suzy Brod, (518) 283-7662, cruizintbirds@aol.com

Treasurer:  Bill Kurrasch, (315) 524-7079, tbird1978@netzero.net

Newsletter Editor:  Julie Tietjen, (607) 693-3033, pjsbirds@tds.net